The relief effort has relied on thousands of volunteers and Andrés and his World Central Kitchen non-profit, were, at one point serving close to 70,000 meals a day.

In a piece for Time, Andrés' chef friend Emerill Lagasse describes the Spanish-born chef, as "a brilliant restaurateur who has shaped America’s culinary history," while also being "a hero whose greatness transcends culinary excellence." He is the only chef on the list, which features world leaders, scientists and stars of entertainment.